Photo: Thomson200, public domain (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Sidney Lanier is the big lake on Atlanta’s doorstep: a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir behind Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River, with about 38,000 acres of water and 692 miles of shoreline. It is the busiest Corps lake in the country, with beaches, campgrounds, marinas and a resort island, and it is named for the Georgia poet Sidney Lanier. Buford Dam is about 41 miles from downtown Atlanta. Here are the best things to do at Lake Lanier.
- From AtlantaAbout 41 miles to Buford Dam, 1 hour without traffic
- SizeAbout 38,000 acres and 692 miles of shoreline
- Managed byU.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Lanier Project Office, 770-945-9531
- CountiesHall, Forsyth, Dawson, Gwinnett and Lumpkin
Top Things to Do at Lake Lanier
1. Don Carter State Park
The only state park on Lanier, on the quieter north end near Gainesville, with a wide sand beach, campground, cottages, boat ramps and paved trails. $10 ParkPass.
2. Corps beaches and day-use parks
The Corps runs dozens of parks around the lake with swim beaches, picnic shelters and boat ramps; many charge a small day-use fee per vehicle. Read the park rules and browse day-use parks by area.
3. Lake Lanier Islands
A resort on islands at the south end near Buford, with a summer beach and water park, lodging and golf. From November into January it runs Magical Nights of Lights, a drive-through holiday light show.
4. Fish for stripers and spotted bass
Lanier is known for striped bass and Alabama spotted bass, with crappie in the creeks. See our Lake Lanier fishing outlook.
5. Buford Dam and Lower Overlook Park
Views of the dam, picnic areas and the 3.8-mile Laurel Ridge Trail along the shoreline on the south end.
6. Buford Trout Hatchery and the Chattahoochee
Below the dam, the hatchery raises trout for Georgia streams, and the cold river is a trout fishery. When the dam releases water, the river rises quickly; leave the water when the horn sounds.
7. Lake Lanier Olympic Park
In Gainesville, the rowing and canoe-kayak venue of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics still hosts regattas. Watch races from the shore on event weekends.
8. Sawnee Mountain Preserve
In Cumming, a short drive west of the lake, with trails up to the Indian Seats rock outcrop and views over the lake country.
Advertise on Lake Lanier
Own a marina, rental, campground, restaurant or guide service on Lake Lanier? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Summer weekends are crowded, especially around July 4, so arrive early for beach parking. Lanier sees drownings most years: swim only at designated beaches, wear a life jacket on boats and watch children closely. Water levels are lowest in late fall and winter. The holiday light show at Lake Lanier Islands runs from November into January.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
The north end of the lake is about 30 minutes from Dahlonega and the North Georgia mountain towns. For fishing seasons and hot spots, see our fishing outlook. Compare this lake with Lake Allatoona, Lake Hartwell or Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair, or see them all in the best lakes in Georgia. Before you swim, read our outdoor safety tips, and for overnight stays see best Georgia state parks for camping and our lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
Is Lake Lanier safe for swimming?
Yes, at designated swim beaches, but use care. The lake has steep drop-offs, murky water and heavy boat traffic, and drownings happen most years. Swim only at marked beaches, never alone, and wear a life jacket on the water.
How far is Lake Lanier from Atlanta?
Buford Dam at the south end of Lake Lanier is about 41 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 1 hour by car without traffic.
Does Lake Lanier have beaches?
Yes. Don Carter State Park and many Corps of Engineers parks have sand swim beaches, and Lake Lanier Islands has a resort beach in summer.
Who manages Lake Lanier?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages Lake Lanier and Buford Dam. Some parks around the lake are run by counties, cities or Georgia State Parks under agreements with the Corps.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Lake Lanier parks, campgrounds and lake facts
- Georgia State Parks: Don Carter State Park; 2026 ParkPass rate
- Lake Lanier Islands: resort and holiday lights
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.